Arpaio Pardon an Insult to Our Constitution

Statement from the Coconino County Democratic Party: We condemn Trump’s pardon of Arpaio. It is an unprecedented abuse of executive power that signals Trump’s support of white supremacy and will encourage unlawful behavior by the minority of deplorable elements in law enforcement and our society. It furthermore demonstrates that Trump has contempt for the rule of law and no hesitation to use power to incite his base.

Democratic National Committee Chair, Tom Perez, said, “By pardoning his buddy Joe Arpaio, President Trump is celebrating one of our nation’s most notorious agents of racism and bigotry.”

Statement from Arizona Democratic Party Chair Alexis Tameron:

“It’s sickening to see Donald Trump’s disregard for the rule of law.

“For years, Joe Arpaio tormented our community, broke up our families, all while he abused his power. As Arizonans sought justice through our courts, many saw light from the years of abuse and hate, yet with a stroke of the pen, Donald Trump validated racism, bigotry, and corruption. Let’s be clear, Joe Arpaio didn’t earn this pardon, this was Donald Trump repaying a political favor, and this is disgraceful.

“Sadly President Trump’s pardon tells us that there is no equal justice under the law. Our country should fear that this the first of many reprehensible pardons for the bad guys.”